Anyone else feel like they're faking it at work?

2d ago·1 min read

I've been dealing with anxiety for a few years now and lately it's been getting worse. The thing that gets me is how I have to put on this mask at work like everything's fine when internally I'm spiraling. My boss has no idea, my coworkers have no idea. I go to lunch, sit in my car, and just try to breathe for 15 minutes. Then I go back in and pretend to be the guy who has it all together. Anyone else living this double life? Sometimes I wonder if it's even worth it.

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Comments(5)

MMike D.New Dad2d ago

I feel this hard. Work me and home me feel like two different people sometimes. Started therapy to work through it and it's helping, but yeah that mask gets heavy. You're not alone in feeling like you're faking it.

OOliver Q.Regular2d ago

The anxiety mask is the worst because everyone at work thinks you've got it together while you're struggling. Have you thought about talking to someone about it? Really helped me realize I don't have to perform all day.

DDanny K.New Dad2d ago

All the time dude. I'm at practice four nights a week with my kid and I'm smiling and engaged but inside my head is just spinning. Work stress, parent stress, trying to keep it together. You're not alone in this one.

JJordan M.New Dad2d ago

Yeah I feel like I'm running on fumes a lot. Software dev job, three kids, always switching between work mode and dad mode and neither one gets the full version of me. The anxiety adds another layer. You're not faking it, you're just stretched thin.

MMarcoNew Dad1d ago

The anxiety piece is rough when you've got to be 'on' at work and then come home and be 'on' for your kids. It's exhausting. Have you talked to anyone about it or just white-knuckling through?